Doug Newton-Walters

Papers

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About

Doug Newton-Walters is a pioneering researcher in public engagement with emerging technologies, focusing on how non-experts understand and form opinions about robotics and artificial intelligence. His work bridges science communication, museum studies, and ethics, exploring the critical gap between technical development and public perception. His most notable contribution is the "Born or Built? — Our Robotic Future" ('BOB?') exhibition, which created an innovative platform for visitors to actively question and discuss the ethical and social implications of human-robot relationships. Rather than simply presenting information, Newton-Walters designed the exhibition to capture authentic visitor questions and concerns, treating the public as co-investigators in these important debates. His research reveals how people conceptualize the boundary between biological and artificial life, and how these perceptions shape attitudes toward AI integration in society. Though his work is early-career, with his flagship 2022 paper accumulating 2 citations, it represents a vital methodological contribution to science communication—demonstrating how museums can serve as laboratories for studying public understanding of transformative technologies. Newton-Walters’ approach is increasingly relevant as autonomous systems become more prevalent in daily life.